nyakoi school water pump and solar project

Our Latest Project

Nyakoi Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School

Madina Koto Village, Wuli West Division, The Gambia

• Water Pump Replacement Project Background

The Nyakoi Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School is located in Madina Koto Village, Wuli West District of The Gambia's Upper River Region. The school's population consists of 449 students which includes 258 boys and 191 girls. There are also 14 teachers and 5 ancillary staff for a total campus community of 468 individuals. Since 2010 there has been no running water at the school. The purpose of this project is to make repairs to an existing, non-functional solar-powered water pumping system at the school. A school with 468 staff and students requires a substantial amount of water in order to satisfy drinking water, sanitation, and the 'per student' requirements of the school kitchen. Additionally, as a result of the lack of an on-campus water supply, the school garden and banana orchard had to be discontinued due to the garden's high water demand.

The School’s Philosophy

The flow of water will free up the administration, caretakers, and teachers so they can focus on the school's vision and mission.

Outdated Panels, Inoperable Pump

The project will replace the existing inoperative Lawrence PS200 water pump with a new pump. The project will also add six new solar panels for increased solar collection capacity, resulting in increased pumping capability.

Dried up and Dirty Facilities

This project will accomplish the following: The defective pump will be removed from the bore hole, a new pump, 6 new solar panels, a circuit breaker and new wiring will be installed. As a result, the school will have sufficient water to meet its daily needs, and to supply water to bathrooms, and sinks. There will also be enough water for the fruit trees to be replanted in the school garden.

The Current Remedy for the Water Problem

Water for the school has to be carried by the caretakers on bikes up to 20 times per day using large containers filled from taps located 200 meters (Madina Village) and 325 meters (Taibatu Village) from the school. Everyone in the school who needs water comes and collects it from the containers.

• The equipment will restore water which is a basic need of any educational center of this size. • Water will pump to all faucets, bathrooms, drinking fountains, classrooms, and administrative

buildings. • The fruit trees in the garden will be replanted and enjoyed by all. • Students will not have to interrupt class to get water. • Hand washing and good hygiene will increase with flowing water. • The use of a renewable resource is a great learning opportunity for the students • This project will impact the local community by eliminating the daily need to transport water to the

school from an outside source.

What are the Benefits of this Project?

Putting the Plan Into Action

Community Involvement The school administration is driving the project. The school staff have made arrangements with the contractor for completing the work within one week and they have obtained cost estimates for the labor, parts, and materials needed to complete the project. Implementation Completion of the project will be accomplished in the following stages: First, the defective pump will be removed from the bore hole and the new pump will be installed with new electrical cable. Second, the inverter circuit breaker will be removed and replaced with a new one. Third, six new solar panels will be installed and wired into the existing circuitry. Fourth, new electrical cable will be run to the water tank's water flow cut-off mechanism to stop the pump when the desired tank capacity is reached. Sustainability Designated school personnel will be trained on basic system theory, function of major components and operation of the system. These individuals will also learn the basic maintenance requirements for daily upkeep, ensuring sustained operation based on the manufacturer's recommendations. The Principal plans to establish a maintenance fund to plan for any future costs associated with the pump and panels.

Equipment Information

Project Costs

The school has promised to contribute 20,000 dalasi and the regional education office has promised 25,000 dalasi. The community is working on their contribution as well. Right now approximately 163,000 dalasi is needed to carry out this project that converts to about $4527 or 3480€.

Contact Information in The Gambia

US Peace Corps Community Volunteer Lacy Szuwalski Email: lacyszuwalski@gmail.com Tel: 220 794 7054

School Address Nyakoi Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School

Madina Koto Village

Wuli West District

Upper River Region

The Gambia, West Africa

Nyakoi Senior Secondary School Pump Replacement Project

Individuals Involved in the Project Contact Number

Headmaster 6712721

Ansu Kinteh 7712724

School Member in Charge of the Project

Ansumana Camara (Chairman) 9234077

Mechanic / Electrican

Essa Fatty 6653136

How to Get Involved

Please send questions to our international project coordinator, Justin Spees via email: justinspees@yahoo.com telephone: +34 693545004 To make a charitable donations to our charity in the United States, which is supporting this project, please make checks payable to Incline Skateboard Park Foundation. This is a charity founded July 11, 1997 and it is a US 501 (c) 3 that supports various community facilities around the world. The charity’s US tax identification number is EIN 86-0882426, and this is a public charity. Please make a reference to Nyakoi School Water Pump Replacement Project when donating. An invoice and photo book from the project will be sent to your return address or email as soon as possible. Send Donations to: Incline Skateboard Park Foundation P.O. Box 3464 Incline Village, NV 89451